Mobile app development is no longer being seen as an expensive business proposition. With more and more business entering the app development world, it has given rise to new and more sophisticated app technologies which are changing the dynamics of this industry. New mobile technologies are lowering the overall cost of mobile apps. However, there are some methods and tips one can follow in order to keep your app development cost low.

• The emergence of HTML5:

The beauty of HTML5 is its cross-platform functionality. This essentially means HTML5 (which is now the standard language for creating web apps) are portable to other browser-ridden mobile devices. It comes with superior features such as more efficient memory management, better graphics control and overall app performance. This translates into the making of a more robust network of apps. The biggest advantage of using HTML5 is its simplicity making it easier for app developers to use and adopt which in turn makes it a much more viable option than building native apps.

• Iteration is Key:

Agile methodology should slowly replace traditional methodologies of developing apps. Traditional methodologies involve creating all the features that you planned, testing all these for performance and then ending with speed optimization. Sometimes, in this process, you tend to create features that would possibly be rejected at the testing phase, a serious cost for many as you have spent time and resources implementing them. Agile methodology, on the other hand, divides the development cycle into small phases, each coming with their features. Each phase is developed independently through iterative cycles known as sprints. All you have to do is develop the core idea of your mobile application and leave the secondary features for a later time.

• Avoid Custom Designs and Animations:

It is understandable how you would want your features to be customized to your mobile app but that would mean investing a significantly higher amount of time and resources into doing so. Both the IOS App store and Google Play store have laid out strict guidelines in order for your UI/UX to get approved. Purely, for this reason, it is important to use standard-templated designs and customize only if it is absolutely essential.

• Cross-platform tools for app developers:

Cross platform developer tools have been built with the intention of allowing access for mobile apps to multiple platforms using the same code base. Platforms such as PhoneGap, Sencha are market leaders when it comes to cross-platform functionality. These tools are mostly popular because they allow mobile app developers with basic development skills to create features-heavy mobile apps that will run on absolutely any device.

• Outsourcing can be a good idea:

If you don’t have the resources and the ability to set up an in-house design team, it is almost always a good idea to outsource your entire software requirements. You can either opt for a software company with the necessary infrastructure or freelance developers who charge you on the number of documented working hours. If you compare it with your in-house costs, this could almost always prove to be a more viable option.

In conclusion, there are several ways you can reduce your mobile app development costs and utilizing some of these methods in addition to nurturing a well-optimized and knowledgeable team are long-term investments which will almost always reduce your app development cost.